Effective Leadership Means Enabling Your People, Not Controlling Them

Leaders are an important part of any organization. The role is required if a company or business wants to grow, thrive, and mature. But not all leadership results in growth and maturity. Unfortunately, there are two kinds of leaders in the world. Are you the kind of leader that enables? Or controls?

Controlling Leadership

Too often in business, leadership feels that the only way to achieve the respect, authority, and attention they desire is by controlling employees. This hard-fisted manager keeps tabs on their employees, dictates their responsibilities, keeps them from trying new things, and fills the meeting with only their voice.

These types of managers are often insecure, unsure of how to lead effectively, and generally untrusting of those around them. They feel that if they did not have their thumb on their people at all times, things would fall apart or be done incorrectly. They never allow the possibility that they are holding people back from their full potential.

Enabling Leadership

The best leaders understand that individuals need freedom, trust, and support to spread their wings, try new things, and grow as individuals. A leader that allows their employees to try new things, explore opportunities, and provides guidance without controlling is enabling their staff to reach new heights.

When a team is trusted and encouraged, they can connect, create, and collaborate. One idea spawns another until a new revenue stream evolves, a break-through product is created, and the work environment becomes one that encourages, supports its people, and adds to the bottom line.

How to Be a Great Leader

Being a great leader means having the courage to take a step back and let the brilliance of your hiring choices shine.

• Listen – actively listen
• Consider their ideas – and let them carry part of the load
• Trust your team to do a good job – rather than doubting that they can

Solid leadership creates bridges that connect people and ideas. Take a breath and let your team use the skills you hired them for. Shouldering all of the responsibility can be lonely and stressful. It can also slow down your own company’s growth.